university–enterprise cooperation

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6.3.5 Setting up of Open Innovation Networks
with SMEs
Since networks of knowledge and services in
the area engineering technologies have been
existing in the world for many years now, as
well as networks of technology transfer, linking
with those networks and active participation in
exchange of experience can be set as a priority
in fostering cooperation among universities
and enterprises. Close cooperation between
industry and university, and among different
enterprises in the same supply chain, and even
among competitors, has proved the best way
to gain flexibility, get access to critical knowhow
and share research costs.
Learning from each other by networking is a
well tested method in European countries for
effective transfer of knowledge and technologies.
Network based innovation programs are especially
beneficial for small and medium sized enterprises.
Improved level of services (R&D) for innovative
enterprises, in line with their needs, can increase
motivation of enterprise for cooperation with
university and its research centres. On the
other hand, better understanding of needs of
SME and large enterprises by university centres
which support innovations and research can
give a quality and applicable R&D result, which
will be easily commercialized. That way set off
participation in financing and regular application
of innovations in companies.
Involvement of university structures in development
and managing of innovation networks in different
fields with regional enterprises could be
facilitator of mutual cooperation in future,
as well as efficient tool for modernization of
university towards society needs.
6.3.6 Practical placements for students in
industry
A number of courses within curricula of
engineering study incorporate practical
placement of students. Practical placement
takes place in a company selected by the
student. Depending on the duration of the
practical placement, the extent of the course
is 3–9 ECTS credits. In the last ten years, in
the period of transition to market economy
and privatization in the WBC region, there
was an important decline in higher education
- industry relations, thus students did not
have quality organized practical placement
in industry. On the other hand, faculties
and university do not support institutionally
implementation of this obligatory course.
The project WBC-VMnet envisages improving
of existing practical placement realization
at WBC engineering study, through welldefined
and sustainable Practical Placement
Programme (PPP) for students, providing
them the opportunity to gain practical
experience of industry in an area that relates
to their academic studies, and to further
develop their professional, technical and
interpersonal skills. Students thus have the
opportunity to make use of their knowledge
in practice and to tune it to the actual needs
of the industrial environment. According to
this PPP programme students will work in the
company for minimum 1 month (6 ECTS).
PPP programme should specify mutual
obligations and claims, for the host company
and for the student, incorporated in
the contract. University (CTC, LLL, Career
Development Centre or other similar units)
should perform all administrative and
management activities. All interested students
fill up Application form, thus university can
offer the interested companies with suitable
students. The company can select the student
according to the interview.
Benefits for enterprises and the companies
will be in the input of fresh ideas and skills,
developing links with universities and the
opportunity to assess prospective employees.
Students gain through obtaining a well
rounded degree, having chance to apply
their theoretical knowledge to real industry
situations, and obtaining suitable experience
recognized as part of the training requirement
by the professional institutions.
6.3.7 Industrial fellowship programme
(IFP) for graduates and/or employees from
enterprises
Industrial Fellowship Programme (IFP) is
intended to establish sustainable partner-